Stephanie Russo, BSN, RN

I would like to recognize a nurse who cared for her patient, my father, with extraordinary dedication and compassion. Her name is Stephanie.

Stephanie worked with my father nonstop for three days in a row. His care was physically demanding, repetitive, and very difficult - he could not move or assist and was completely dependent on the nursing team. He had frequent accidents, including stool and blood, which required continuous cleaning and repositioning. Every time Stephanie finished, another accident would happen, and she would start again immediately - without frustration, hesitation, or complaint.

She also took great care of his pressure wounds and developing bed sores, consistently advocating for him by showing them to the charge nurse and head nurse to ensure the wounds were being treated correctly and according to the right care plan. She did not do this for recognition - she did it because she genuinely cared that he receive the best care possible.

What was most special was how she delivered this care. Everything she did was with a warm smile, calm reassurance, and true kindness. She repeatedly said, “No worries, everything is fine,” and she meant it. I watched her at work for hours - and never once did she look exhausted, irritated, or overwhelmed. She showed unwavering patience, dignity, and compassion every single time, not just at the start.

All of the nurses were kind, but Stephanie stood out because she treated my father like he was her own family - with heart, responsibility, advocacy, and warmth. Her care was truly above and beyond, and it made a deep impact on me and my family.

Thank you for allowing me to share this recognition. Nurses like Stephanie make the hardest hospital moments feel safer and more human, and we are deeply grateful for her.